Devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Iain Fleming Downie of Thunder Bay ON passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022, at the age of 83. His beloved wife, Anne, and three adoring children were at his side.
Iain was born on July 9, 1939 in Forfar Scotland and lived in Lintrathen and Kirriemuir before immigrating to Canada on July 1, 1957. He attended the University of Toronto, where he met Anne, and graduated as a Professional Geological Engineer. He went on to a highly successful career in Canadian mineral exploration and worked in a variety of locations, including Timmins, Bathurst, Sudbury, Chibougamau, Mexico, Peru, Sierra Leone, Russia, and most recently Thunder Bay. One of the pioneers of diamond exploration in Canada, Iain was the recipient of the mining industry’s most prestigious exploration award, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada’s Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association. His exceptional work ethic was encapsulated in the advice he often gave is children: “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”
Iain was loved and admired by many. He was a very generous man with a larger-than-life personality who relished being with family and friends. During these times, he always had the best stories and told many jokes. He was highly intelligent, a voracious reader, and enjoyed discussion, debate and quiet contemplation. An avid sportsman and sports fan, Iain spent many years cycling, playing rugby, skiing, sailing and he loved racing, particularly motorcar racing. He deeply valued nature and loved the many dogs he had through the years, which were an important part of his life. He passed along his love of dogs, sports, knowledge, and music to his children and grandchildren, of whom he was the biggest fan. Iain firmly believed that one of his primary jobs was to provide and care for his family.
Iain was deeply devoted to his loving wife Anne for 59+ years and sang to her Roger Whittaker’s “The Last Farwell” from his bed on his final days, without breaking a note. His family was the centre of his universe, and he gave them unfailing support and guidance until his last moments. He will be lovingly remembered by his cherished wife Anne, children Malcolm, Ewan (Cyndi), Andrea (Scott), daughter-in-law Shirley, and grandchildren Amber, Catriona, Alysha, Aidan, Iain, Callum, Airlie, Graham and Larissa. He is pre-deceased by his parents Norah and Stewart, and brother Stewart Jr.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at 2530 Lisa Court in Thunder Bay, on Saturday August 13 from 1-4 PM. Come share your stories, Iain loved a great party!
Special thanks to the physicians and staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center (TBHSC) and Dr. Ruth Ann Williams. Memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and TBHSC. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
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